Mumbai: Adani Electricity Mumbai Infrastructure Limited (AEMIL), a subsidiary of Adani Energy Solutions Limited (AESL), on Tuesday commissioned a 1,000 MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link between Kudus and Aarey to strengthen power infrastructure in Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the company said in Mumbai on April 14, 2026.The project enabled a greater flow of renewable power into Mumbai, improved grid reliability and energy security across the MMR, reduced dependence on in-city generation and lowered outage risks. It also featured the world’s first compact HVDC substation, suited to dense urban environments. The Kudus-Aarey link comprises a 30-km overhead line and a 50-km underground corridor, and was designed to operate within the constraints of a densely built urban environment. The project was conceived in the aftermath of the October 2020 Mumbai blackout, which exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s power supply, and reflected a broader push to strengthen grid resilience and reliability. At its core, the link enabled Mumbai and the MMR to draw more electricity from outside the city, including renewable energy generated in other regions, a senior official said. While Mumbai was already connected to the national grid, the HVDC link enhanced this connectivity by enabling more controlled, efficient and higher-capacity power flows, particularly for renewable energy integration, he added. For the MMR, one of India’s most energy-intensive urban clusters, the additional 1,000MW of capacity will help reduce reliance on in-city generation, improve grid resilience and lower the risk of large-scale outages. It also offered operational benefits, including dynamic voltage support, reduced transmission losses over long distances and black-start capability, enabling restoration of power without relying on an external source and allowing quicker recovery in the event of outages. Kandarp Patel, CEO, Adani Energy Solutions Ltd, said, “With the commissioning of the Aarey-Kudus transmission line, Mumbai now has a modern power corridor capable of integrating large-scale renewable energy with high reliability. It is one of the fastest HVDC projects ever commissioned, which is powered by advanced VSC-based HVDC technology. The project enhances grid stability, decongests existing networks and strengthens the city’s energy security. This marks a significant step towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Mumbai.”
